New Math SOL

2011-2012 Mathematics
Standards of Learning: What
Parents & Students Should Know About the New Virginia Mathematics Standards
of Learning

This year the Virginia Department of
Education (VDOE) implemented newly revised math tests
for all students in grades 3-8, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.The new mathematics assessments reflect
higher rigor and full alignment with
the national Common Core State Standards.In addition, the new standards meet national and international
benchmarks for content and rigor established by organizations such as the
College Board. These tests were designed to build on the success of the SOL
program and to better prepare students to compete in today’s global economy.
The rigor of the tests has been substantially increased and as a result, you
may find that your student has seen a drop in his or her usual math scores.

Because of the increase in rigor for mathematics, students, schools,
and school divisions are experiencing a short term impact that will improve as
Botetourt County and other school divisions throughout the Commonwealth become
more familiar with the new standards.

Lower
pass rates at the beginning of this process are a sign that the VDOE has raised
the bar, not
that students are learning less.History suggests that student achievement on
the tests will rise as we further align our curricula and classroom instruction
with the new standards and as students become more comfortable with the format
of the new tests.

Botetourt
County is actively working to meet the new rigor and expectations established
by the Virginia Department of Education by creating a learning environment
where your child will meet the new standards as well as the expectations of today’s
work force and/or higher education. State
regulations require that remediation be provided for students who do not pass
an SOL test.During the summer,
principals and central office staff will review all student data and determine
the various remediation structures that will be provided to students. These remediation
structures may include classroom remediation and separate intervention classes.

The Virginia Department of Education anticipated these
results and has provided additional information to the public by the links
listed below.

What
Parents & Students Should Know About the New Virginia Mathematic Standards of
Learning